PH-BFT, one of the three re-activated KLM 744combi's arrived from Shanghai at Schiphol and was welcomed this morning (April 20th) by The Minister of Health and KLM CEO Pieter Elbers
See : https://flightaware.com/live/flight/PHB ... /ZSPD/EHAM
The 744combi transported medical supplies (among others 800.000 FFP2 mouth masks) for the corona crises.



Photo copyright NOS.

The number of KLM 747 combi flights to China will be increased from 5 to 14/ week in a few days time and operated by PH-BFT, -BFV and -BFW.
PVG will now be operated direct, PEK still via ICN (crew change), but in a later stage also direct.
There is a need for more 747 combi's, but (for now) KLM decided NOT to convert PH-BFY (combi in all pax configuration) into a combi configuration, using a conversion kit and/or main deck cargo parts from PH-BFS.

Note : PH-BFY can be operated until April 2021, PH-BFS needs a HMV for further operation.

Source (in Dutch) : Scramble, Praethuys, KLM, member nemaco

Any sense on how long this will continue for?

This might continue on for this month of May. It all depends on current supply and demand of cargo. Right now it's no longer economically viable to fly with pax, hence the all-cargo flights. Also KL is planning on going Cargo-in-Cabin for the 74E

Source: https://news.klm.com/klm-introduces-car ... ger-seats/

... KLM will be deploying three Boeing 777s to operate Cargo-in-Cabin flights. The B747-400 combi flights currently re-entering service on these routes will soon be reconfigured to be similarly deployed. The packages will be bound to the passenger seats and stowed in the baggage bins...

PH-BFS "City of Seoul" will leave Amsterdam for good on Monday May 25, at 08:55 local time.
Will stop in Chicago for a customs stop and then onwards to Mojave MHV.

Source: https://forum.scramble.nl/viewtopic.php ... 24#p963924 / https://www.facebook.com/groups/Farewel ... 441614088/

Iemand91 wrote:

PH-BFS "City of Seoul" will leave Amsterdam for good on Monday May 25, at 08:55 local time.
Will stop in Chicago for a customs stop and then onwards to Mojave MHV.

Source: https://forum.scramble.nl/viewtopic.php ... 24#p963924 / https://www.facebook.com/groups/Farewel ... 441614088/

PH-BFS was probably due for the next HMV. Any info about the hours/cycle count ?

Iemand91 wrote:

PH-BFS "City of Seoul" will leave Amsterdam for good on Monday May 25, at 08:55 local time.
Will stop in Chicago for a customs stop and then onwards to Mojave MHV.

Source: https://forum.scramble.nl/viewtopic.php ... 24#p963924 / https://www.facebook.com/groups/Farewel ... 441614088/

Any news on the idea of BFS cargo compartment installments going to BFY? If they would want to do it, would they remove these installments as long as BFS is still at AMS?

Was looking at flights and prices at KLM's website yesterday. Came across quite affordable fares to Toronto during autumn. Noticed the operating type listed as Boeing 747M. How is this possible? Why keep this aircraft in the booking engine?

MartijnNL wrote:

Was looking at flights and prices at KLM's website yesterday. Came across quite affordable fares to Toronto during autumn. Noticed the operating type listed as Boeing 747M. How is this possible? Why keep this aircraft in the booking engine?

Possible they haven’t even updated the system

LHA320 wrote:

Iemand91 wrote:

PH-BFS "City of Seoul" will leave Amsterdam for good on Monday May 25, at 08:55 local time.
Will stop in Chicago for a customs stop and then onwards to Mojave MHV.

Source: https://forum.scramble.nl/viewtopic.php ... 24#p963924 / https://www.facebook.com/groups/Farewel ... 441614088/

Any news on the idea of BFS cargo compartment installments going to BFY? If they would want to do it, would they remove these installments as long as BFS is still at AMS?

BFY is also going to be decommissioned later this year, I don't think any new is going to be installed in on there

747classic wrote:

PH-BFS was probably due for the next HMV. Any info about the hours/cycle count ?

If anyone on here knew that, it would probably be you!

cjg225 wrote:

(who was arranging it for a particular customer that may or may not be my employer).

The Galactic Empire is your employer? \

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

PH-BFV operating PEK-AMS today (May 15th) will be the first 744combi to operate with "Cargo in the cabin", additional to the usual 7 pallet maindeck and lower hold(s) loading.
Without the "Cargo in Cabine" loading the combi aircraft were already able to transport up to 45 tons of volume limited payload.
Approx 500 boxes will be loaded at the maindeck and the upperdeck at the seats and bagage bins.
See : https://flightaware.com/live/flight/PHB ... /ZBAA/EHAM

Source (Dutch) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/FarewellKLMBoeing747

747classic wrote:

PH-BFV operating PEK-AMS today (May 15th) will be the first 744combi to operate with "Cargo in the cabin", additional to the usual 7 pallet maindeck and lower hold(s) loading.
Without the "Cargo in Cabine" loading the combi aircraft were already able to transport up to 45 tons of volume limited payload.
Approx 500 boxes will be loaded at the maindeck and the upperdeck at the seats and bagage bins.
See : https://flightaware.com/live/flight/PHB ... /ZBAA/EHAM

Source (Dutch) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/FarewellKLMBoeing747

And that's why we just can't say goodbye to The Queen

The same forum also claims PH-BFY has been sold and will be flown to MHV this June.

Here's some pictures of the non-flying KLM 747's, taken yesterday by Rob van Ringelesteijn.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Farewel ... 011391131/

To earn some extra revenues in these difficult times, together with the medical supplies, een 787 GEnx engine was transported on the main cargo deck of PH-BFW, Shanghai, May 15th, KL896.
https://www.facebook.com/hvriesendorp/v ... 384544300/

See : https://flightaware.com/live/flight/PHB ... /ZSPD/EHAM

Iemand91 wrote:

The same forum also claims PH-BFY has been sold and will be flown to MHV this June.

Here's some pictures of the non-flying KLM 747's, taken yesterday by Rob van Ringelesteijn.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Farewel ... 011391131/

With all the signing already gone, KL is not wasting time (and money) removing these birds from their fleet. I reckon they will be gone by the end of S20

Summary :

PH-BFL and -BFN (wihout KLM logo's) are dedicated all pax aircraft and will be removed from the fleet.
PH-BFS (without KLM logo's), a combi, is due for a HMV and will also be removed from the fleet
PH-BFY (without KLM logo's) is also a combi, however presently in all pax configuration, with approx one year flying time remaining until the next HMV. Could be re-configured into a combi, however the aircraft seems to be sold (what a waste !) and will leave the fleet in June.
PH-BFT, BFV and -BFW , all combi’s, are reactivated and are operating continuous cargo only flights between AMS-PVG and AMS-PEK.

Do we know who purchased PH-BFY? Could be that it was sold to someone who is going to keep it in operation and do the HMV.

Do we know who purchased PH-BFY? Could be that it was sold to someone who is going to keep it in operation and do the HMV.

747classic wrote:

PH-BFV operating PEK-AMS today (May 15th) will be the first 744combi to operate with "Cargo in the cabin", additional to the usual 7 pallet maindeck and lower hold(s) loading.
Without the "Cargo in Cabine" loading the combi aircraft were already able to transport up to 45 tons of volume limited payload.
Approx 500 boxes will be loaded at the maindeck and the upperdeck at the seats and bagage bins.
See : https://flightaware.com/live/flight/PHB ... /ZBAA/EHAM

Source (Dutch) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/FarewellKLMBoeing747

A video link of the "Cargo in Cabin " loading of PH-BFV, 500 boxes of one size, extra load of approx 1 million medical mouth masks, airplane was loaded from front to rear, loading time 50 minutes.
Some boxes are very lucky, they may travel business class
https://www.facebook.com/spoor.simon/vi ... 668100073/

Im sorry if this has been discussed in the previous 21 pages, but can someone bring me up to speed and explain why the 2 747's reinstated for cargo operations, were combis and not the dedicated 747F's? Would it not make sense to use those for the additional capacity? Is it because the freighters are a Martinair operation and it became a pilot seniority issue??

The 747F's of KLm Cargo/Martinair are already in use for the regular cargo operations.

Since monday they flew already the following routes (source: flightradar24):
PH-CKA: VCP-LIM-UIO-MIA-AMS-VCP-EZE-UIO-MIA-AMS-VCP-SCL-UIO-MIA-AMS-VCP (now enroute to LIM?)
PH-CKB: AMS-VCP-SCL-UIO-MIA-AMS-NBO-JNB-HRE-NBO-AMS-MIA-BOG-MIA (now enroute to STN)
PH-CKC: NBO-JNB-HRE-NBO-AMS-NBO-JNB-HRE-NBO-AMS-CAI-NBO-AMS-VCP-LIM-UIO-MIA (now enroute to AMS)
PH-MPS: AMS-CAI-AMS-MIA-BOG-MIA-AMS-MIA-GUA-UIO-BOG-MIA-AMS-NBO-JNB (at the moment on ground at JNB)

So the ones painted in full KLM Cargo colors were never part of the retirement?

zoek34 wrote:

(now enroute to STN)

MP no longer flies to STN, FR24 hickup.

crownvic wrote:

So the ones painted in full KLM Cargo colors were never part of the retirement?

That is correct. As a matter of fact, one of the -ERFs is scheduled for heavy maintenance in the near future. Same for the sole -BCF.

aeromoe wrote:

The Galactic Empire is your employer? \

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

You'd be surprised how often I actually think that.

cjg225 wrote:

aeromoe wrote:

The Galactic Empire is your employer?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

You'd be surprised how often I actually think that.

Same here on occasion!

Have to wonder if a startup or enterprising cargo outfit doesn't snap up BFS & BFY. Two well maintained birds that are almost identical.

CX747 wrote:

Have to wonder if a startup or enterprising cargo outfit doesn't snap up BFS & BFY. Two well maintained birds that are almost identical.

I highly doubt it looking at the number of 77W's becoming available on the second hand market will increase over the coming years but I do hope these ex-KLM 744's get new life again

A388

A388 wrote:

CX747 wrote:

Have to wonder if a startup or enterprising cargo outfit doesn't snap up BFS & BFY. Two well maintained birds that are almost identical.

I highly doubt it looking at the number of 77W's becoming available on the second hand market will increase over the coming years but I do hope these ex-KLM 744's get new life again

A388

What do the economics look like for a 77W going out with 100 pax and full cargo vs a 74M going out with 100 pax and full cargo? Also, in these times of high cargo rates, what type of cargo can you carry in a 74M that can not be loaded into a 77W?

In light of today's market, I don't see how a 77W compares to a 74M. The 74M can carry almost any type of cargo the industry ships, in all different sizes and shapes. You would think that ability right there would lead KLM to fly 74Ms at this point and not 77W. The price of jet fuel is at all time lows too, so that paradigm is thrown out the window. The 74M to me, gives KLM an advantage over other airlines....a long haul widebody pax jet, that can carry cargo with a far greater ability than other offerings. That makes your offering different, unique and possibly provides you an edge/niche. Moving forward, that is what I would want.

Iemand91 wrote:

The resurgence of the KLM 747-combi aircraft is for 6-8 weeks. I thought that was mentioned here before, but looks like it was not.
So this is not a long term thing; the plan was 6-8 weeks, not longer (unless plans change).

*kick*
Are they still planning to end the flights in a few weeks time?

Last day for PH-BFS "City of Seoul" on Dutch soil.
Tomorrow morning at 08:55 local time she will leave for good as KL9879 to Chicago (customs) and then on to Mojave, California.
There she'll join her sisters PH-BFD and -BFK, the 2 KLM MD-11's PH-KCD and -KCE and 4 Martinair MD-11's.
Seoul was delivered to KLM on October 15, 1996 and flew as a combi.

This leaves just 6 747's at KLM with 3 operational.

Seoul today at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport:


Source: Bas Brouwer

Iemand91 wrote:

Tomorrow morning at 08:55 local time she will leave for good as KL9879 to Chicago (customs) and then on to Mojave, California.

I’ll be out there to see her final landing, along with a few other spotters (with masks and social distancing of course).

And she's off: https://www.flightradar24.com/KLM747/248fd461

Farewell Seoul!

Farewell Seoul! Have fun with your sisters in the desert!

Can anyone explain why KLM removed the white-on-blue "PH-BFS" marking and put a black-on-white-on-blue sticker on her with exactly the same registration?

PANAMsterdam wrote:

Farewell Seoul! Have fun with your sisters in the desert!

Can anyone explain why KLM removed the white-on-blue "PH-BFS" marking and put a black-on-white-on-blue sticker on her with exactly the same registration?

I would think that these are only stickers for the ferry flight because the original registration was painted over. The stickers can be removed more easily once the aircraft arrives at the desert and is deregistered.

Boeing 747 ‑406(SCD) 28195 1090 PH-BFS KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ferried 25may20 AMS-ORD-MHV, for part-out & scrap

https://www.skyliner-aviation.de/regdb. ... av4&page=3

Iemand91 wrote:

And she's off: https://www.flightradar24.com/KLM747/248fd461

Farewell Seoul!

There she goes:






Source: Etienne Van Leeuwen @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/Farewel ... 955517903/
2nd Source: Ramon Kok @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/Farewel ... 428902389/

PH-BFS is allegedly staying the night at ORD is this true???!!!

https://mobile.twitter.com/NowHeresYou/ ... 7699822592

VCVSpotter wrote:

PH-BFS is allegedly staying the night at ORD is this true???!!!

https://mobile.twitter.com/NowHeresYou/ ... 7699822592

Local dutch sources (Scramble forum) says the same.

Iemand91 wrote:

VCVSpotter wrote:

PH-BFS is allegedly staying the night at ORD is this true???!!!

https://mobile.twitter.com/NowHeresYou/ ... 7699822592

Local dutch sources (Scramble forum) says the same.

Damn ok. I know a few guys out at MHV right now who are definitely gonna be bummed, I haven’t left my house yet (decided to skip Virgin Orbit) but I probably can’t make it tomorrow

VCVSpotter wrote:

PH-BFS is allegedly staying the night at ORD is this true???!!!

https://mobile.twitter.com/NowHeresYou/ ... 7699822592

Yes due to Virgin Orbit's launch today after being scrubbed for yesterday.

cruiseshipcrew wrote:

VCVSpotter wrote:

PH-BFS is allegedly staying the night at ORD is this true???!!!

https://mobile.twitter.com/NowHeresYou/ ... 7699822592

Yes due to Virgin Orbit's launch today after being scrubbed for yesterday.

Ok, that makes sense thanks. Still a bummer though.

KLM 747-400M PH-BFS is scheduled to depart ORD at 9:30AM local for MHV, arrival 10:53AM local.

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/KLM ... /KORD/KMHV

And she's live: PH-BFS Seoul is los voor haar allerlaatste vlucht, van Chicago naar Mojave: https://www.flightradar24.com/KLM747/2491aa77

PH-BFS : 121.020 hours / 13632 cycles

Source (Dutch) : Scramble forum, 't Praethuys, KLM, reply from Bennie.

Final T/O of PH-BFS at ORD, see : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn26EKK ... e=youtu.be

PH-MPS, MHV, June 26th 2020



Original uploaded by Karel Jansson, see :https://www.facebook.com/groups/FarewellKLMBoeing747

Few more shots of KLM 747-400M PH-BFS arriving at MHV.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAtCPr9BvDs/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAq9t8XBjjV/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAqiTMNlhXO/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAqTvuOjdrF/

74E still doing what it does best: PH-BFV with fully loaded Cargo-in-Cabin back from PVG with KL896 at AMS

747classic wrote:

PH-MPS, MHV, June 26th 2020

Minor typo, my dear 747Classic?